By Jwan Shekaki
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The last hours of 2024 and first hours of 2025 have witnessed a string of deadly and tragic incidents spanning three continents, highlighting the pervasive and diverse nature of modern violence. From a brutal ISIS attack in Somalia to a devastating mass shooting in Montenegro and a vehicular assault in New Orleans, these events have left communities reeling and raised urgent questions about security and prevention.
In Somalia, ISIS claims deadly attack on Puntland Military Base
The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on a military base in Puntland, northeastern Somalia. The attack, which occurred on Dec. 31, left at least 20 people dead. According to a statement on the group’s Telegram channel, the assault was carried out using “car bombs and infiltrators.”
Local media and military officials reported that Somali security forces successfully repelled the assault. Captain Yusuf Mohamed of Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces revealed to Reuters that nine suicide bombers were killed, and several soldiers sustained injuries.
The deputy speaker of the Puntland state parliament was visiting the base near the town of Dergale in the Bari region during the attack. The officials have lauded the swift response of the security forces but stressed the ongoing threat posed by ISIS in the region.
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region, has been a focal point in Somalia’s battle against extremist groups, including ISIS and al-Shabaab. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges despite efforts by Somali forces and international partners to combat terrorism.
In Montenegro, gunman’s rampage marks one of the deadliest crimes in country’s history
In Cetinje, Montenegro, a gunman went on a rampage on Wednesday, killing 10 people across four locations in one of the most shocking mass killings in the nation’s history.
The police said that the assailant, a 45-year-old man, began his attack by opening fire inside a local restaurant, killing four people instantly.
He then proceeded to three other locations, taking the lives of a family member, two children, and three additional individuals. Four others sustained critical injuries.
Authorities are still investigating the shooter’s motives. The tragedy has left the small town of Cetinje in a state of profound grief and disbelief.
Local media described the gunman as a previously quiet individual with no known history of violence.
Montenegro, a peaceful Balkan nation, has rarely experienced incidents of this magnitude, making this tragedy particularly harrowing.
The New Year’s celebration in New Orleans turns tragic
A horrifying vehicular attack in a tourist district of New Orleans claimed the lives of 10 people and injured 35 others during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Shamsuddin Jabbar, a 42-year-old man. Initial reports suggest that Jabbar deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd of revelers.
The attack, which occurred in a popular area known for its vibrant nightlife, has shocked the city and the nation.
The motives behind the attack remain unclear, but local law enforcement is treating it as a deliberate act of violence.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as emergency services rushed to assist the injured. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures during public gatherings.
These incidents highlight the global and multifaceted nature of violence, from ideological extremism in Somalia to senseless mass shootings in Montenegro and deliberate attacks in the U.S. While the contexts differ, the devastating impact on communities and the urgent need for robust preventative measures are universal. International cooperation and a deeper understanding of the root causes of such violence are critical in addressing these threats.